Under the Fourth Amendment, what is prohibited?

The correct answer focuses on the language of the Fourth Amendment, which specifically addresses the right of individuals to be free from "unreasonable searches and seizures." The Fourth Amendment ensures that law enforcement cannot conduct searches or seize property without probable cause and a warrant, where required, making it essential to protect citizens’ privacy and security against arbitrary governmental intrusion.

The term "unreasonable" is pivotal because it establishes a legal standard that government authorities must meet in order to justify any actions that infringe upon an individual's privacy rights. For example, certain exceptions do exist for "reasonable" searches—such as those conducted with consent, incident to arrest, or under exigent circumstances.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify that while the law does regulate searches and seizures, it is not an outright prohibition of all searches. Instead, it emphasizes that searches and seizures must have a reasonable justification, typically requiring a warrant supported by probable cause, to align with constitutional protections.